Thanks Superman!

Yes, I am up really late but for some reason I am not tired this evening. My brother and I pretty much have the run of the homestead this weekend so it has been a little crazy but fun.

After we went to bed, I got out our old high school graduation videos and watched them. I have to admit that my brother's video is way much better than mine.

However, playing Kenny Loggins' Danger Zone during his state championship race is possibly the best idea that I have ever had as far as video production is concerned.

It was also pretty cool to see old video of my bro turning into Superman with his Superman t-shirt. Not that he can fly or anything, at least not out of the water anyway.

Also, my bro helped me with a little problem I have been having over the past month too. It was nice to know that he has and always will be right there supporting me even though he has a crazy way of expressing it sometimes.

Thanks Superman! It is great to know that no matter how old I get, my favorite superhero will always have my back.

Hail to the Chief

I would like to send a special thanks to my buddy Mike for a funny night last night. Also, a thanks goes out to the good people at McAlister's Deli for a great night and a gallon of their finest sweet tea. McAlister's Deli - So good that You Can Almost Taste It.

In this economically flat world that is full of technology, I set out on a quest to learn something new today.

As is customary with this kind of curiosity, I chose to go to Wikipedia to find out some pertinent information. I am happy to announce that I have found this important information: The Lyrics to Hail to the Chief.

Hail to the Chief we have chosen for the nation,
Hail to the Chief! We salute him, one and all.
Hail to the Chief, as we pledge cooperation
In proud fulfillment of a great, noble call.

Yours is the aim to make this grand country grander,
This you will do, that's our strong, firm belief.
Hail to the one we selected as commander,
Hail to the President! Hail to the Chief!

Lasting Memory at Ballpark

I only have a few moments free before I go to the YMCA for an afternoon run. Take heed when I say that a run and some weight work during the day can help get rid of unwanted stress and love handles.

Last night, I proudly watched my friends from Indiana University Kokomo win their third game in this year's summer softball league. Granted, it wasn't the New York Yankees playing out there but it was just as exciting.

I even got to see a good friend rip a game winning error as well. If there is anything of the sort, this was definitely one of them.

There were runners on second and third with two outs. The count was 0-2 after my friend's second foul ball nailed a passing van.

Comedian Dane Cook once asked, "Where's the van?!" Well, I think it is safe to say that my friend found it after the ball bounced off of it's window. It was an impressive sight. Anyway, back to the game.

My friend ripped the next pitch to the second basemen but instead of getting the third out at first, she chose to throw home instead. At which time, she bobbled the ball and the IUK runner scored.

It was an impressive victory. I find these moments to be some of the best because they leave lasting memories that are not soon forgotten.

Before I go, I would like to post a link to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee's website which has a radio ad concerning Joe Donnelly's opponent in this year's election. It's pretty humorous so I suggest you check it out!

DCCC Radio Ad targeting Congressman Chris Chocola

Generation Inconvenience?

It is a beautiful Sunday afternoon in my town but unfortunately I am contemplating certain things instead of reaping the benefits of the fine weather.

I guess I am more or less asking myself certain questions that lead to contemplative thought. Am I an inconvenience to certain people? Would things be better for them if I were to move away?

It is a difficult situation that a lot of us go through here when we are close to the end of our college experience but still living at home. We are to the point of where we would like to move out if we could but lack the necessary means to do so.

Of course, the perfect way to do this would be to have a full time job while going to school but then we are reminded of our commitments to our studies, family, friends, and community work (if you are like me).

Are we simply not pulling our fair share when we are out doing all these things and only coming home to eat and sleep? Or are we resented for the very fact that we are able to do such such things and have it better than those that came before us?

It seems as if the older generation is constantly telling me to make something of myself and do as much as I can to improve the problems that exist in our society. But, at the same time, they tell me to do the tasks of finding a job, having my own place, and leaving the nest.

To me this is merely a 1960's or 1970's way of thinking in a 21st century. For some reason, which defies all logic, the generation of today does not have the luxury of being able to pay for their education, lodging, and other things on a 40 hour a week minimum wage job. At least comfortably any way.

Thus, we have to turn to student loans which cause many of us to sink into major debt and rely heavily upon credit cards. Is my generation, as the previous one says, "lazy," and not able to live on our own or is the previous generation simply expecting too much from a generation because of their inability to realize that it is 2006?

And the last thing I want to address is the idea that somehow this new generation is not as prepared for the sacrifice and the tenacity that will be needed in the difficult times ahead.

I have not found this generation to by cynical or apathetic or selfish. They are as strong and as decent as any people that I have met.

And I will say this, on my way down here I stopped at Bethesda Naval, and when you talk to the young kids that are there that have just been back from Iraq and Afghanistan, you don't have the worry about the future that you hear from so many that are not a part of this generation but judging it from above.

-- Jon Stewart

Just Being There

I was checking my blog statistics recently and I was excited to learn about the location of those who visited the page. To my surprise, I have had visitors from the United States, Sweden, Germany, India, and the United Arab Emirates.

It certainly is correct to say that the world is becoming much flatter. Technology is a beautiful thing.

Recently, a close friend of mine experienced something that has caused them heartache. It is truly a shame to see or hear of a friend who has lost a certain part of themselves.

Of course, we (the friends) are confronted with the decision of how much space to give without them thinking we do not care or smothering them. For me, I know that people deal with grief in different ways. So, I think the most important thing that we as friends can do is to be there in whatever capacity we are allowed to be.

However, I truly believe that a friend is and should be in most ways a shoulder to cry on, a hand to hold, and an ear to listen. Even though the friend can never bring back what has been lost, just being there for someone can make a big difference.

It is times like these that cause us to think about our own selves and what we should be doing with our own lives. I am no exception to this because I believe that I have been slacking in certain areas lately.

For me, one of my most important issues has been the men and women who make up our Armed Services and Veterans. To this point, the only real thing I have done is donate money to veterans groups.

Some would say that this is a noble thing to do but lately I have been thinking that I can do so much more. So with that in mind, I plan to get involved by contacting my local VA office to see how I can pitch in my time and energy.

Just like helping my friend, it is my hope to help these men and women who have already sacrificed so much for all of us by lending a shoulder, hand, or an ear. I know that just being there for them will make all of the difference.

Joe Donnelly leads Chocola

We have another campaign update with the recent release of a poll that shows Joe Donnelly ahead of incumbent Chris Chocola by 10 points!

The campaign is still young however this is the first sign of the people of Indiana wanting a change in Washington.

Donnelly leads Chocola

Donnelly Campaign gets DCCC boost

The Politics of Hope

I made a post on the Howard County Democrats blog this evening and I thought that I would repost it on mine as well. Enjoy!

In 2004, I had the unique and wonderful opportunity to work for Joe Kernan's gubernatorial campaign. Unfortunately, the election did not turn out the way we wanted it to.

Despite this tough loss , I had the opportunity to meet some great people within the Howard County Democratic Party who helped me realize that all of my hardwork had not been for nothing.

My hard work gave me something so much more important than a victory. Without all of that hard work, I never would have been able to meet so many of you.

Now, years after the 2004 Election, I consider you to be my friends. I am truly blessed for all of you giving a young college student, like myself, a chance to work for our common values.

And these common values are niether Democratic or Republican. These common values of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are American values.

Now, two years after my first campaign, we find our party on the brink of another tough and, quite possibly, dirty campaign season. As the campaign season begins, we as Democrats are left with a question that Barack Obama asked us in 2004 but is still relevant today.

Do we participate in the politics of cynicism or do we participate in the politics of hope?

For me the answer is simple. In this campaign season, we Democrats must decide on what kind of message we will present the people of our community and country.

Will we send the people a message of petty party bickering between us and our opponents or will we send them a message of solving our nation's problems?

Will we send them a message of the politics of the status quo and anything goes or will we send them a message of brighter and better days to come?

As I said, we all know the answers to these questions. These answers of course are the very reasons as to why I and many others in our party are proud to call ourselves Democrats.

Our party and people have had to answer these difficult questions before and this year will be no different. In this election, let us share the right message with the American people.

Let us work to improve the lives of every American.

Let us participate in the politics of hope.

There is not a doubt in my mind that we ourselves have the power and the cabability to do so.

In the words of former President Jimmy Carter, "Working together with our common faith we cannot fail." Let's go to work!

A More Perfect Union

The First Amendment of the United States Constitution states:

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances."

Though there is little debate about this being an important principle to our people, there is plenty to be said of its abuse and misuse.

Over the course of my life, I have noticed many things. Some things have been good while others have been not so good. My short life in politics has been no exception to this standard.

Many times, I have been asked, "Why are you involved in politics?" Most times, I respond with a simple, "I ask myself that question every day of the week." After a quick chuckle, the conversation usually moves on to a different topic.

But, when I honestly think about it, I believe that the main reason I am involved is to do what it says in the Preamble of our Constitution. I am involved in politics in order to form a more perfect union. Unfortunately, as too many people know so well, politics and government has a dark side.

Politics, as sad as I am to say this, is full of so many words and arguments being thrown around. Almost to the point that it is tough to distinguish what is noise and what we should listen to. With all of this mudslinging going on, how dare we blame others for not participating in the democratic process of America?

How can we constantly ask people to get involved in something that rivals 5 year old boys fighting over a basketball game at the park.

Why should they listen to us when we are focused upon what a campaign website says?

Why should they listen to us when we worrying more about the candidate's loyalty to a party instead of loyalty the American people?

Why should they listen to use when we our values live in our speeches and not our actions?

With all of this going on, maybe it is time for us to listen to the American people. To me, they don't ask for too much: Good and affordable healthcare, clean and safe neighborhoods, and good paying jobs.

Those are the issues that the American people care about, not the lame brain and dead end fights of partisan politics. This great country of ours was founded upon an ideal that we would always chose to form a more perfect union.

Fighting with each other is not going to solve the energy crisis that not only confronts America's government but also the American pocketbook.

Fighting with each other is not going to solve the problems that currently exists in an American's ability to pay for their prescription drugs.

And fighting with each other will never allow us to form a more perfect union.

Maybe now is the right time for us politicians to remember that we were given one mouth and two ears for a reason. The American people deserve nothing less.

Give Me Novacaine

Today was a great day but by the end of it I was glad for it to be over. The way I feel right now can be best described in Green Day's Give Me Novacaine. Enjoy and have a good one!

Take away the sensation inside
Bitter sweet migraine in my head
Its like a throbbing tooth ache of the mind
I can't take this feeling anymore

Drain the pressure from the swelling,
This sensations overwhelming,
Give me a long kiss goodnight
and everything will be alright
Tell me that I won't feel a thing
So give me Novacaine

Out of body and out of mind
Kiss the demons out of my dreams
I get the funny feeling, that’s alright
Jimmy says it's better than air,
I’ll tell you what

Drain the pressure from the swelling,
This sensations overwhelming,
Give me a long kiss goodnight
and everything will be alright
Tell me that I won't feel a thing,
So give me Novacaine

Oh Novacaine

Drain the pressure from the swelling,
This sensations overwhelming
Give me a long kiss goodnight
and everything will be alright
Tell me Jimmy I won't feel a thing,
So give me Novacaine

Long Day Full of Surprises

Wow! What a long and interesting day it was. I am amazed that I am still up at this hour because it has been a day full of action as well as sweltering heat.

My good friend Shane had his wedding reception today. He and his wife, Jennifer, were married in Jamaica a few weeks ago and decided to have just the reception in Indiana. I can't say I blame them when I saw them exchanging vows near a beach in Caribbean.

Other than seeing two of my good friends joining each other in marriage, the cool thing was that I was apart of the Wedding Party. As a kid, I was always bored at weddings and could never figure out why the people around me enjoyed them.

Now, I know. Sitting in front of everyone on a stage with good friends is at such an occasion is an awesome experience. Interestingly enough, I noticed that my Uncle Wayne and Aunt Shirley were present at the wedding as well.

As it would turn out, Jennifer is my Aunt Shirley's niece. So, not only did I see one of my good buddies get married, I gained some relatives today. After hearing this, I promptly found Shane and welcomed him to the family. Granted we may be separated by a few branches on the family tree but never the less we are connected through the same roots.

I returned home later in the afternoon around 3 with a renewed spirit but a very tired body. I had only intended to rest on my bed for a few moments until I realized that it was nearly 9 o'clock when I awoke.

Since I was now awake, my dad and I decided to catch a late night showing of You, Me and Dupree. It was a pretty good movie I thought. Owen Wilson is hilarious. Not as good as Wedding Crashers but pretty close.

Now, I am home and ready to sleep but before I do, I want to share something I found on the City of Kokomo Website. Apparently, a Smokefree Ordinance has been drafted and proposed for my hometown. I suggest you check it out because it is an important issue to the city and it's citizens.

I will definitely be attending the Common Council meeting next week to see if the issue is brought up. For now, here is a link to the Common Council webpage for those interested in reading the draft of the ordinance. Kokomo Common Council Webpage.

Keep Fighting the Good Fight

If you watch the news, it seems as if the world is going crazy. Israelis may be on the beginnings of an outright war with Hezbollah, our President still seems to be wandering through the woods without a flashlight when it comes to issues that are important to Americans, and gas prices are still over three dollars a gallon.

Meanwhile, back home again in Indiana, the weather is hotter than a Virginia afternoon where all a person has to do is walk outside to begin sweating. I used to think that with rain comes relief from the heat but so far this week it has failed to bring nothing more than humidity.

I got a gigantic taste of this the other evening when Mike, Erin, and I attended the Howard County Fair. It was a great time even though Mike reminded me of my relatives by trying to get me to eat everything there. No offense buddy but deep fried grease is not my idea of a good time.

I also got the chance to watch the documentary Super Size Me the other day. After watching this stirring account of how unhealthy McDonald's food is, there was really only one thing to do.

After finishing my Whopper, onion rings, and diet cola, I spent most of the evening in the basement which has become my little hideaway as of late.

I still, however, become very restless at my house. This cabin fever comes from always being on the go the past few years. But considering the outside world is turning into a world gone mad, it wouldn't hurt to stay in my cubby hole for a couple more days.

As I always say to my True Blue friends from DC, keep fighting the good fight!

Blast from the Past

I went to bed so early last night that the sun was still shining outside. I was extremely tired and needed as much sleep as I could get. I woke up this morning around 10 and was able to get out of bed very easily.

I spent most of the day spending time with family and friends at the movies, the mall, and at the County Fair. As always, I had a great time talking and discussing things with them but there was one thing that I saw today that caught me off guard.

While I was walking through the fairgrounds this evening with a friend, I noticed something from my past. Though I will not go into the details of what exactly it was, I will admit that it threw me for a loop that surprised and scared me beyond belief.

It is amazing that, even though so many years have gone by, I was still able to recognize this blast from the past. The most surprising thing about this was not the fact that I saw something from my past though.

The surprising thing was my reaction. To my friend, it must have seemed like I had just seen a horrible ghost.

Even though I have been able to do some very interesting things in the past four years, what amazes me is how strong certain memories become to us. It is also quite interesting that I am able to change my opinion on past events based on experiences that I have years later.

Energy and Persistence

Even though my summer has mostly consisted of class, working out at the gym, and hanging out with friends, I have also been very politically active in local government.

As promised, I have more in depth information in the latest edition of Campaign Update.

Each year in my hometown, a festival and parade are put on to celebrate Kokomo's automotive heritage. Events, such as these, are fun and important to me because it is a great opportunity to meet people (along with getting a great farmer's tan).

For state and local candidates, the parade is an opportunity to connect face to face with voters as well as pass out candy and campaign material to kids and adults alike. I especially enjoy this simply because it is always a wonderful experience.

This year was no exception since I knew a lot more people than I did during the last festival parade. However, campaigning and local government is not all about signs and parades.

Campaigning is also about the hardwork behind the scenes that the public does not get to see as much. Just like I did today, campaigning is about walking down city blocks, knocking on doors, and talking to people in the summer heat.

To be honest, it is probably a crazy thing to do but the rewards outweigh the negatives.

The feeling that I get when I actually connect with someone while campaigning causes the weather to not seem as bad or my feet to not hurt as much. The simple fact that someone took a few minutes out of their busy day to listen to my voice makes all the difference.

Lastly, I think that it is the very fact that a candidate gives me the opportunity to work for them is what inspires me to walk just one more block, to knock on one more door, or to pass out one more piece of literature. It is simply a matter of pressing on each day.

"Energy and persistence conquer all things." -- Benjamin Franklin

The Good Young Days

Just like the good young days, my brother and I hung out for a good portion of the day. The first task was visiting my great aunts' house.

As is customary in my family, we discussed the usual topics of life, current events, and how many ears of corn my brother was going to eat.

In this case, it turned out to be eight. The corn was quite good, I have to admit.

After that we headed home to mostly do nothing. While my brother went with my father to buy sweet corn, I washed my new car for the first time today which in the end turned out to be quite a workout. I fell on my bed and just lied there in a haze for about 20 minutes afterward.

From there, my brother and I headed to the YMCA for a quick workout. It was fun however I am going to have to stop working out with him because I am always exhausted by the end.

Tonight, we both went our separate ways to hang out with friends. Like normal, the conversations I held with my friends tonight got me thinking about what it exactly means to be thankful for what I have.

It made me remember the time in which I wrote a letter to a woman who had contacted my Congressman's office about her brother in Iraq. The amount of pain and sorrow I felt for this woman is beyond description as I wrote letters to both her and her brother.

It is memories like those that keep me reminded of how lucky I am to have days such as this one. Even though I had never met this woman, I knew exactly how she feels and that makes me feel very thankful for my current situation.

My Shoulder is Wet

An evening in Noblesville on July 4th with a pool, fireworks, and bratwurst makes the world go round. At least in my world that is.

I went to Erin's house tonight where Mike, Erin, her friend Heather, and I had some food on the grill and enjoyed the Cicero fireworks display. Although it was just as fun as the one I went to on July 2nd, I was happy to be able to sit in a chair instead of on the ground this time.

After the fireworks and a little Dane Cook on the way home, we headed back to Erin's for some late night swimming. I will be happy when I get my own pool later this fall. It will be nice to just jump in it and relax.

This was a much welcomed evening of resting and relaxing. The past 24 hours have been quite busy, especially because a lot of my friends have been going through some rough times and bad days.

To be honest, I don't mind listening to my friends' problems as most people tend to do. I think the most important thing to remember when a friend confronts you about trouble they are having in their life is to be a good listener. On these kind of occasions, I think it is also important give your advice but only when it is needed without passing judgment on the person.

I don't think too many people enjoy hearing, "I told you so," when all they are needing is a shoulder to cry on and an ear to listen. So, as this day ends it is time to go to sleep and rest because my shoulder is very wet. Have a great evening as I leave with one of my favorite quotes.

God gave you two ears and one mouth for a reason. -- J. Carville

Happy Independence Day

Happy Independence Day! It has been a while since my last post. Mostly, I have been enjoying my small vacation from school so I have neglected to update as of late.

It has been great to get a little bit of vacation from class and higher learning. The greatest thing about this summer is that I have been able hang out with my friends unlike last year at this time.

Even though last summer changed my life, it feels good to be around familiar faces and surroundings. However, it is impossible for me to forget what I was doing at this time last year.

The fireworks displays in my home state are fun but nothing tops spending the 4th of July in our nation's capitol. The good thing about this year is that I won't have to contend with the thousands of people trying to get onto the metro trains.

With that, I will be off to bed for some sleep before the cooking off bratwurst and shooting off fireworks begins.

"The confidence that we have always had as a people is not simply some romantic dream or a proverb in a dusty book that we read just on the Fourth of July.

It is the idea which founded our nation and has guided our development as a people."

"Working together with our common faith we cannot fail."

-- Jimmy Carter